1). Museum of the Albemarle will hold “History Tales: Make It, Take It” on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Elementary students accompanied by an adult will discover how Christmas tree lights evolved over the years, read a story and participate in a creative activity.

2). Reynolda House Museum of American Art will present Carolina Brass in concert on Saturday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. This concert of seasonal favorites has become a holiday tradition for music lovers and families in the Triad. Formed in 1997, Carolina Brass performs a wide range of music, including Medieval and Renaissance selections and contemporary, Big Band, and Pops.

3). Asheville Art Museum invites you to tour the exhibition “Life’s Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight” from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2008. The Asheville Art Museum is delighted to present works from all eight artists: Robert Henri, George Luks, William Glackens, John Sloan, Everett Shinn, Maurice Prendergast, Ernest Lawson and Arthur Bowen Davies, celebrating the centennial anniversary of the 1908 show at the Macbeth Gallery,

4). Marbles Kids Museum presents Camp Fun Days for Preschoolers on Monday, December 22 and 29, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum offers one-day camps for those days when your kids have the day off but you don’t. Camp Fun Days are filled with museum adventure for your kids! This is a one-day camp for preschoolers. Pre-registration required; for more information visit our website, call our camps coordinator at 919.857.1040 or email camps@marbleskidsmuseum.org.

5). Mint Museum of Art : The Mint Museum opens its winter season with two new exhibitions this month. The exhibition “Andy Warhol: Cowboys & Indians” will be on display at the Mint Museum of Art from December 20, 2008 through May 9, 2009. Well known for his portrayal of celebrities and consumer goods, later in his career Andy Warhol became fascinated by the stories, myths and legends of the American West. Just one year before his death in 1987, he created the suite “Cowboys and Indians”. This suite accompanies the special exhibition “Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends,” on display through February 15, 2009.

6). Port Discover: What happens to the world around us during the winter months? Toddlers will learn about animal adaptations and the changes in the winter during the Toddler Time, Wonderful Winter, Thursday, December 18, 10 a.m. Children will get to be amateur archeologists on a frozen treasure hunt and conduct experiments with snow and ice. A fee of $5 per family and reservations are required. Program is for 3 – 5 year-olds and parents or guardians must accompany the child.

7). Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens presents “Christmas Candlelight Tour and Grand Illumination” on Saturday, December 20, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Step back in time to December 1770 and join royal Governor and Mrs. Tryon in their exciting celebration of the opening of the Palace and the birthday of King George III. Music and entertainment abound with costumed dancers, musicians, and dynamic performers giving shows of acrobatics, juggling, and sword swallowing. There will be plenty of activity outside the Palace gates as the Fife & Drum Corps parades from George Street to the Palace and be prepared to join in a Jonkonnu celebration of lively West African/American songs and dances from the 18th and 19th centuries. At the end of tha evening a Grand Illumination of fireworks takes place on the Palace grounds.